Major retail space set to open at St Albans train station by mid 2017

An artist's impression of the new retail hub at St Albans.

A 700-square-metre retail hub is expected to be operating at the revamped St Albans train station by the middle of next year.

VicTrack is looking for a mix of retail tenants to lease space at the development to “complement the busy station and bus interchange and the lively St Albans town centre”.

It’s unclear how many shops would be included in the development. The retail hub would “surround the new station”, the VicTrack website says.

“Coupled with the removal of the level crossing at Main Road, the retail development will improve connections between the station and the rest of St Albans and enhance the safety of the station and new bus interchange by attracting more people to the area,” it says.

“The spaces will provide convenient shops and services in the heart of the redeveloped transport hub, and offer people places to meet and socialise or visit while they are waiting for their bus or train.

“We are looking for a diverse range of tenants to fill the spaces, to maximise the benefit of the development to local people and complement what is on offer in the rest of St Albans.”

The development is scheduled to be completed by early next year. After fit-out, businesses are expected to be operating from mid-2017.

Also planned for the new station is a memorial plaque and garden for the 16 lives lost at the St Albans level crossing.

Buses have replaced trains between Sunbury and Sunshine until October 31 due to level crossing works.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said she was confident the station would reopen on October 31 despite reports union disruption might stop works being delivered on time.

“Work is still on track to have trains return on 31October as planned and we’ll continue working closely with the contractors to resolve issues that may arise,” she said.

Prospective tenants should contact Tom Ryan at Knight Frank on 0419 786 244.